December 07, 2023
Te Pāti Māori rewrites script for parliament oath
Te Pāti Māori has made history by swearing an oath to mokopuna and te tiriti before making the required affirmation of allegiance to King Charles.
The six MPs made their oatitanga from the aisle and signed a kawenata before proceeding to the Clerk of the House to give the affirmation.
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi gave his oath i te reo Māori me te reo Pākehā.
“I Rawiri Waititi, swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our mokopuna according to tīkanga Māori. I will perform my functions and duties and exercise my powers in accordance with te Tiriti o Waitangi, toitū te tiriti,” he said.
Thirty eight of the 121 MPs gave their oath or affirmation to King Charles in te reo Māori.